Incriminate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
incriminate
[ษชnหkrษชmษชหneษชt ]
Definition
legal
To incriminate means to make someone seem guilty, especially of a crime. It is often used in the context of providing evidence or testimony that suggests someone's involvement in a crime.
Synonyms
accuse, blame, charge, implicate.
Examples of usage
- He refused to answer questions that might incriminate him.
- The witness's statement incriminated the suspect.
- The fingerprint evidence was used to incriminate the defendant.
- The prosecutor attempted to incriminate the accused through circumstantial evidence.
- The recording of the conversation was used to incriminate the suspect.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, incrimination can occur during police interrogations where a suspect might unintentionally implicate themselves.
- The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from self-incrimination, allowing them to remain silent in court.
- In criminal proceedings, incriminating evidence is key for prosecutors to build a case against a suspect.
Cultural References
- In popular crime dramas, characters often face circumstances where their words can incriminate them, adding tension and drama.
- Movies often depict misunderstandings that lead to people being wrongly incriminated, emphasizing themes of justice and truth.
- The phrase 'self-incrimination' has been featured in numerous court cases, showcasing its relevance in media and culture.
Psychology
- Research shows that people often struggle with the idea of self-incrimination, leading to anxiety when questioned about their actions.
- The concept of guilt can affect a personโs behavior, sometimes causing them to act defensively when feeling incriminated.
- People may confess to crimes they didnโt commit, a phenomenon known as false confession, often influenced by high-pressure interrogation techniques.
Origin of 'incriminate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'incriminate' comes from the Latin 'incriminare', which means 'to charge with a crime'.
- It combines 'in-' meaning 'in' and 'crimen' meaning 'accusation' or 'crime', showing its roots in legal contexts.
- The term has been used in English since the late 18th century, reflecting its legal origin.
The word 'incriminate' originated in the early 18th century from the Latin word 'incriminatus,' which means 'to accuse.' Over time, it has evolved to refer specifically to the act of making someone appear guilty, especially in a legal context. The concept of incrimination has played a significant role in legal systems around the world, where the burden of proof is often placed on the prosecution to incriminate the accused.
See also: incriminating.